Linklaters names next Asia head as Shao departs for JPMorgan

Currently the firm’s regional managing partner for emerging Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Salt will take up the new role at the beginning of February.

Shao is leaving the firm to become chairman and CEO of JPMorgan’s Chinese operation (23 November 2009).

Shao’s reign as Asia chief had been shortlived. He took over from Giles White last April, standing against Hong Kong chief Marc Harvey in a contested election for the post (9 March 2009).

Salt, who will be the firm’s third Asia managing partner in less than a year, has been a partner with the magic circle firm since 1992. He headed the Asian banking and projects practice for three years until taking on his current role.

Firmwide managing partner Simon Davies said: “Stuart’s broad-based expertise as an international lawyer, combined with his significant regional management experience and success in Asia, make him ideally suited to the role of Asia managing partner. I have absolute confidence that in Asia we’ll go from strength to strength under his leadership.”

Salt added: “I’m really excited about my return to Asia and to working with our team there in providing a first-class service to our Asian and global clients.”